Shadow of a Doubt
Batman flew above the building crowns of Gotham City scouring for any sights of crime or wrong doing all the while listening as Max quizzed him on chemistry. Okay which experiment proved that atoms were mostly made up of empty space?
It was by pure luck that Bruce had allowed him to study while he did his job as Gothams protector. Um... I know it had something to do with foil. Batman said in the voice of Terry McGinnis.
He could tell that Max was shaking her pink hair from side to side as she sighed deeply. Rutherford's gold foil experiment. Ter how are you going to explain to Mr. Shannons why you're failing?
I'll just explain I spend my nights keeping the city safe for people like him. Batman said.
So what are you chasing after this time? Max asked. Psycho androids, rabid werewolves, or what about child bodied thirty-year-old with a thirst for world dominance? Max asked.
Not so easy this time. This time a shadowed cat burglar. Batman said.
Oh The Shadow, the guy who's been sneaking in and out of places stealing valuable jewelry, art, and so on. They say most of the time no one notices when theyve been robbed. Max said.
And no one has really seen him. Batman said.
Maybe it's that blue assassin woman or someone who trained with her.
Curaré, I thought so too at first but Bruce said she's an assassin and always will be. When you think of it moving from feared assassin to burglar it's a move down. Batman said.
I will never understand the social order of the world of criminals. Max said.
It's something like high school. Batman said.
The jet powered Batmobile lurched forward as it was suddenly stopped by some unknown force. Batman looked out of the red tinted window to see that some sort of plant was holding him in place. Gotta go Max, an old acquaintance wants to catch up on old times. He said cutting the line.
Batman slid open the roof and jumped out falling down to the roof top below, where a red haired green skinned young man stood waiting. Mind tellin' me why you almost wrecked my ride? Batman asked prepared for any surprises.
Nightshade held up his hands to show he meant no harm. I needed to get your attention. Nightshade said.
Well you got it, what do you want with it? He asked.
Nightshade smiled weakly as he ran his green fingers through his hair. I need your help. He said.
Batman stood in shock. You need my help? With what? He asked.
Harley's been kidnapped. Nightshade said grimly. I've been looking all over this filthy crime-ridden city and I haven't seen red or black hair of her.
Batman scoffed as he walked towards the edge of the roof. I don't have time for this. Have you tried looking in juvy? He asked about to take off.
Nightshade growled. Then I'm getting her out. He said.
Batman stood in his path. And get her into even more trouble than what she's in now? Let her serve out her time.
Nightshade looked into Batman's white eyes. And pay her debt to society'? I'm not about to leave her in a place like that we she was put there against her will.
Almost everyone in there is in against their will. Batman said.
No, someone kidnapped her. Nightshade said.
Batman asked just as Bruce called him over the communicator.
Terry, an anonymous call to the police reports having seen The Shadow at the museum, The Shadow's going after the Downé sapphire. Bruce said.
Great, listen I have something to take care of right now. We'll talk about this later. Batman said.
Nightshade nodded. Okay, I'll met you in Richmore park same time tomorrow. He said just before he disappeared over the side of the building.
***
The few people that were still within the strong walls of museum laid on the dark carpet floor in a mild state of unconsciousness. The one responsible for this scene stood before the Downé sapphire case staring at the obstacle of the security system from behind the overcastting shadow of the dreary gray hood of her cape shrouding her shoulders, dropping down to a tattered stop just an inch or so above her waist.
Those who had been attacked by the Shadow were unable to see her face if at all anything from her swift movements. All they saw as a gray impassive lips and jaw most likely belonging to a woman. The Shadow reached out her gray arms from the dark recesses of her cape and within a matter of moments held the Downé sapphire in her gloved hands. How she managed to remove the sapphire without so much as disabling the security system only she knew. But from her confident movements and her skilled removal of the sapphire anyone could tell this woman was a professional who took her work seriously.
Shadow held up the sapphire inspecting it carefully, she didnt want to have wasted her precious time of a crude fake. For a moment she looked onto the deep blue of the jewel with astonishment. This sapphire was the largest she had seen, it was almost the size of her palm, if she didn't know better she could have mistaken the dark blue for an unrelenting pitch black that in it's own way filled her with pleasant fear and the cold touch of isolation.
In museums you look dont touch. A voice said. Shadow abruptly turned causing her cape to fan out as looked into the darkness. Her covered eyes scouted until it she was looking directly at Batman hidden deep within the dark depths of the dimmed room.
Shadow jerked her arm tossing the cape over her strong shoulders. She was a woman in a head to toe skintight gray bodysuit. Her only accessories were a pitch black snake sword resting limply at her left hip and a thick silver link chain wrapped twice around her curvy waist.
Mind putting that back? Batman asked walking into the dim lights.
Shadow only looked at Batman from the overcast shadows of her hood, as if she did not understand the English tongue, or any for that matter. Shadow's head gracefully tilted to the side like an animal trying to catch and understand what was just said to it.
Without prior warning, without so much as a sound, Shadow grabbed a supposed priceless vase then pitched it at Batman.
Having learned that the destruction he and his adversaries caused during their many fights called for repayment through higher taxes Batman caught the vase before it could shatter on the wore carpet of the museum. When Batman looked up Shadow was gone.
Batman silently cursed himself for allowing such a primitive tactic of distraction to fool him. With the silent way she moved he should have known this woman wasn't going to be easy. Quickly Batman placed the vase back on its stand then flew out the window to the streets below. Except for a young teenage couple and an elderly woman walking her dog the streets were empty. Taking to the sky Batman found Shadow standing atop the adjacent rooftop of the museum amidst the shadows.
When Batman made his rough landing he looked around to see Shadow had merged into the darkness once again.
I know you're up here somewhere. He said changing the vision of his mask to heat instead of night.
I thrive in the chaotic silence that drives men mad, Whispered a voice carried by the faint wind. I am the spawn of darkness, most who see me wonder if I be but a dream, a monochrome delirious dream. I prefer the soft embrace of the night than the harsh light of day. It seemed as if she was everywhere at once, but the voice was so soft and low that one would think no one had spoken at all but the words had come from their head.
Shadow stepped out of the overcastting gloom a few feet from behind Batman not making the slightest sound. With arms crossed she shifted her weight purposely making the chains on her slender waist rattle with a dull resonance.
Batman spun on his heel at the sound behind him. Now I know where you got the name Shadow. He said complimenting the woman in his own way.
She gave one small nod that was almost missed had not Batman been staring at what little of her gray face protruding from beneath her drawn hood.
Are you an android? Batman asked.
The corners of Shadow's gray lips tugged upwards for a brief second, she then shook her head a fraction of an inch to one side then the other. Her silence and oddly graceful movement would have proven otherwise.
Can you answer? Batman asked finding the silence unsettling.
Shadow allowed a small smirk to left the right corner of her face. She said in a rich velvety voice that brought to mind thick caramel.
Shadow reached into her cape removing the lustrous jewel. She held it out almost teasingly before her then replaced it into the unknown of her cape. Batman began to understand that silence was golden to this particular villain. But her body language said enough about what she had on her mind, in order for him to get that sapphire he had to fight for it.
Shadow quickly removed her snake sword from its rest on hip, at the time it was in the form of a bladed whip. She swung it around her head as she rushed towards Batman. Batman rolled backwards as Shadow brought down the blade embedding it into the thick surface of the tar roof. Batman stepped down on the blade then kicked out his leg catching Shadow in the jaw.
Shadow rolled from impact. Jumping onto her feet she rushed back towards Batman kicking him once in the side just below his ribs. She flew into the air delivering a roundhouse kick flipping into the air then as she descended brought both feet to his chest pitching him backwards.
Batman was stunned this woman fought hard, she went for the soft spots most likely over looked. Therefore went unprotected. She swung once again; Batman dodged the punch grabbing hold of her wrist. With a hard tug he twisted her arm behind her back then forced her onto the ground.
Shadow struggled against Batman's iron grip as she was laid face down onto the tar coated surface of the blacken rooftop. Her struggles were rewarded with a firm knee pressed down in the steel of her back. A sharp pain raced up her spine for her plunder was under the base of her back and the pressure Batman was bestowing on her was forcing the jewel to sink her into deeper discomfort. She would have screamed, but she knew not to make any unnecessary sounds. Noises betrayed her as a shadow. She would take the pain and like it, thrive on it, anything but cry out because of it.
A loud click sounded in Shadow's ears and the cold touch of metal bit through her thin gloves. She then realized that in a way she had been captured. How she longed to laugh at the foolish notion; her The Shadow, captured. She smiled inwardly, she'll let the Bat live a moment longer in a fantasy where he has actually defeated her on their first encounter.
Batman carefully repositioned his leg so that he still had her pinned beneath his knee. He reached into the cape filling around multiple objects until his fingers grazed over the fine smooth surfaces of the Downé sapphire. He removed the cause of his venture to the museum to make sure that nothing had happened to it during their brief fight.
He reached down and pulled away the hood to be greeted with cobweb gray fine threads that most likely was her hair. Shadow turned her head to the side allowing her cheek to rest on the gritty surface of the night-cooled roof. Batman gasped in shock as he saw that she had no eyes! While she did have eyes, he could see their outline pressed sharply against her tight mask. But what were the eyes of her costume was either the same shade of gray as the rest of her body fitting uniform, or they were never there to begin with.
Shadow took the moment of his destruction to end the so-called fantasy'. She up heaved her back causing an almost unbearable pain to rush throughout her body. She quickly placed her knees beneath her and with all the strength of her upper body she flung her head back slamming the back of her hood into Batman's face.
Batman groaned as he fell backwards losing the sapphire in the process. A wet feeling crept over the side of his face causing the mask to plaster against his pale skin. He was bleeding! This rarely happens that someone not of the mechanical origin was able to penetrate the high pain thresholds of the suit and actually cause him to bleed.
While Batman was momentarily incapacitated Shadow rolled back until she balanced on the flats of her shoulders then brought her bounded arm beneath her and over her legs until they were once again before her. Back on her strong legs she ran towards her fallen snake sword and with a mighty flick cut away her metallic bonds. Shadow replaced her hood as she regained her graceful and silent attributes. She picked up the dropped sapphire and hid it once again into the unknowns of her cape.
Batman got back onto his feet looking at the woman as the gentle breeze carried her fine hair and tattered cape. Had they not been fighting at the time he would have found the moment somewhat mystical.
Shadow held up the hilt of her snake sword horizontally before her, using her other hand she ran her fingers tightly over the blade straightening the whip form into that of a blade. Souls have colors. They can be white as snow, black as night, and there are those who live with souls that are one of many shades of gray. What color is your soul, Batman? Shadow asked. Shall we find out? She pointed her sword in his direction.
Batman frowned, there were times he regretted the fact he had no serious weapons of his own. He only prepared for whatever moves Shadow had waiting him.
Without any known reason to Batman Shadow lowered her sword and stared before her as if looking at something in the distance. She replaced her sword to her waist and removed a small glass orb the size of a tennis ball. With a piercing look that stated they would finish this later she dropped the orb.
A deep mist of black smoke arose from her feet swiftly enveloping Shadow.
Oh no you don't. Batman said running towards Shadow in hopes of stopping her, but when he reached the smoke his body passed straight through. Batman mentally cursed himself. Damn she's good. He said.
Not far hidden in the deep shadows of the rooftop she smiled at the compliment seconds before she stepped back disappearing into the void of night.
***
In darkened room a half-shadowed man sat before a table metal table. What little could be seen of this strange was his slouched lower abdomen with crossed legs dressed in chocolate brown slacks. An ember glow floated in the darkness, the glow became brighter as the mysterious stranger took a long drag of his cigarette.
Shadow walked into the room in her trademark silent matter until she stood fully illuminated beneath the single hanging light of the room. Shadow said bending down on one knee in a respectful bow. She removed the gem from her hidden pocket of her cape and sat it down on the table.
The sound of a thud rang out dully as the man stood. He grounded his half depleted cigarette into the table then began to walk in slow intimidating circles around Shadow allowing very little of his body to touch the light. You've done very well my dear. You took my orders well, even obeyed direct commands. He said slowly trailing his fingers over the ridges of her collar.
I hope Batman wasn't too much or a task for you. But I had to make that call and see what you could do. He said stroking her cheek. Shadow slowly shook her head from side to side. Good. Go on to bed, I'll call you when I need you again.
Shadow stood obediently as she nodded then vanished into the silence and darkness.
***
The next night Batman jumped out of the Batmobile landing roughly in the park. He wasn't sure where exactly he was supposed to meet Nightshade, he wasnt very specific. Batman's musing was interrupted as a blur of golden tan jumped towards him. Batman held up his arm into to protect his face as the hyena clamped down and began to gnaw at his arm.
Erik heel! Nightshade shouted.
The hyena released Batman's arm then trotted back towards Nightshade. Sorry about that, Nightshade said hooking the leash to the leather studded collar. He usually behaves himself but with Harley gone he's been a bit unruly lately.
Batman stood ready to argue that he had an illegal animal loose in a public park but knowing he had better things to do let it slide. Okay what is it you were saying about Harley's disappearance?
She was kidnapped. Nightshade said shifting a black and red backpack from one shoulder to the next.
How can you be sure of that? Batman asked.
I saw it. Nightshade said.
How did you see it? Batman asked his white eyes looking at the green man in cynicism.
We lived in an apartment and Harley had this suspicion that the buildings maintenance man was sneaking in stealing her underwear. So she installed a mini digital camera in all the rooms. Nightshade said pulling a large doggy bone from the backpack on his back and gave it to Erik.
Wait, how were you two living in an apartment?
Like any normal human beings with jobs and so on. Nightshade smiled.
You two had jobs! How did you manage that with green skin? Batman asked Nightshade skepticism rich in his voice.
Nightshade laughed as he combed his red hair back with his fingers. Harley came up with the story. He said fondly. I was one of those crazy teens who were into splicing before it was band. Something happened and I came out with green skin.
Do you have the recording here? Batman asked.
Nightshade removed a small diskette from the bag. This is the original. He warned.
Batman walked back to the Batmobile and placed the disk into the player.
The scene showed Harley performing a few flips then she disappeared into a room. Fast-forward some. Nightshade said looking over his shoulder. Batman quickened the video until he came onto a scene where Harley was opening the door. Stop here! Nightshade shouted.
Emily.' Harley said with surprise in her voice.
The dark skinned woman smiled sweetly at Harley. Well aren't you going to welcome your mother in?' Emily asked.
Harley stepped to the side allowing her mother in. How did you find me?' Harley asked closing the doors.
How else? I hired some of the best detectives in the city. I had to see my little girl again.' Emily said taking a seat on the couch.
Um... do you want anything to drink or eat?' Harley asked her reluctance of entertaining her mother apparent in the tone of voice.
Do you have any ice tea?' Emily asked.
Harley walked off into the kitchen then returned moments later with two glasses of ice tea. So why did you waste your precious money to find your disgraceful daughter'? I can't say that I am your child you were only there a few months of my life. And I know you denied the fact that I was your daughter when I was on the rampage some time ago.' Harley said.
Emily looked hurt for a moment but quickly hide it. I wish to make amends. I want to clean the slate for the both of us, Lisanette.'
Harley growled. That's my middle name.'
Emily smiled. It's the name I called you when you were little, you probably don't remember.' She said sipping her tea. Oh by any chance do you have any sugar?' Harley walked off into the kitchen again. With Harley gone Emily quickly remove a veil from her jacket and poured its contents into Harley's ice tea.
Harley returned soon after with a small sugar bowl. She sat it down on the coffee table then picked up her glass taking a huge gulp. Emily, whatever it was that you added to my tea is tasty.' Harley said looking down at her cup. She looked up at her mother and smiled. Drugs don't work on me like they use to.' She reached between the couch cushions and removed one of her favorite popguns.
Emily stared wide-eyed at her offspring wondering if she was really going to shot her. Harley narrowed her eyes down on Emily. I really hate it when people try to drug me.' Harley said noticing the resemblances for herself in Emily's frightened face; the fact that she looked remotely like the woman before her made her want to pull the trigger even more. Get out of my home.' Harley said jerking the gun towards the door.
Emily stood and quickly ran towards the door when she opened it three darkly dressed men ran through. Harley barely had time to react when one took her gun and the others grabbed her up.
Lisanette, I'm only trying to help you.' Emily said, as the men knocked out the enraged woman then left without the slightest care.
Batman looked up at Nightshade. You see, she was kidnapped, and by her own mother.
While at least you know where she is, it's best if you let her serve out her time then go to her afterwards. I can't help you right now; I have to deal with this Shadow woman. But once I'm done with her I'll help you find out what's happened to Harley. Batman said.
Nightshade frowned but nodded with agreement. I'll be watching out for you. He said as he and Erik began to walk off in the opposite direction.
***
A week later in the morning students of Hamilton Hill High School sat down at their desk awaiting the lesson of the hour. Class we have a new student joining us for the rest of the semester. Um...Miss Lisanette Carolyn. Mr. Hount said looking down at the schedule.
Terry huffed, probably some girl most likely from the south with auburn hair falling to her shoulders in curly locks. Possibly the meek voiced type that automatically fell into the popular group of Hamilton Hill.
Please, Lisanette is the name my mother calls me. A familiar voice full of confidence and the permanent linger of joy. Terry looked up almost wishing it wasn't true, why would fate do this to him? He looked up to see a chocolate skinned girl with dark brown hair tied back in a fancy ponytail standing before the class.
Call me Harley, or if you want to be an old fashion jerk and get on my nerves then you shall referred to me as Miss Jest. Harley said.
End chapter 3